I had a conversation last week with a plastics company trying to hire a Molding/Processing Manager.
What they described is exactly what I see across small to mid-sized injection molders right now.
They’re not just looking for a manager.
They’re looking for someone who can do all of this:
▪️ Understand molding
▪️ Understand processing at a high level
▪️ Lead teams of mold setters and processors
▪️ Troubleshoot problems on the floor
▪️ Make real-time decisions without relying on data systems
▪️ Be hands-on, not sit behind a desk
And ideally… Replace 20+ years of tribal knowledge in one hire.
That’s a tall order.
Especially when those people are already employed.
Here’s where companies get stuck.
They want:
▪️ The experience of a 20-year veteran
▪️ The leadership of a seasoned manager
▪️ The technical depth of a processor
▪️ The mold knowledge of a tooling expert
…at a mid-level salary.
If that person exists.
But they’re not on the market.
And if they are… You’re competing with everyone else for them.
What I respected about this company is they started to adjust.
They opened their mindset.
They looked at:
▪️ A strong processor who could grow into leadership
▪️ A tooling-focused manager who understood materials and machines
▪️ Candidates who didn’t check every box, but brought real value
That’s the shift more companies need to make.
You’re not replacing a clone of the last person.
You’re hiring the next version of what the role needs to be.
In small to mid-sized molding shops, especially, the best hires are:
Hands-on. Practical.
Able to lead from the floor. Not just analyze from an office.
If your search has been open for months…
It might not be a candidate problem.
It might be that you’re trying to replace something that can’t be replaced exactly.
Contact info:
Founded by Dan Regovich in 2009, AJ Augur Group Plastics Search and Recruitment has become a prominent name in the plastics headhunting industry. We fill difficult positions in the plastics industry for companies throughout the United States.
Because your company is unlike any other, we will take the time to discuss the details of your current opening and your company’s culture.
This will allow us to find someone who has the proper skill set and will also fit into your company’s environment. Learn more about our advanced search process, and contact us today.
At AJ Augur, we play a vital role in guiding candidates through the job search process within the plastics industry. We address these common questions candidates ask plastics recruiters with transparency and clarity, providing honest insights about the challenges and opportunities of each role. Doing so helps candidates make informed decisions while building trust and establishing positive candidate experiences.
Click HERE for Dan’s latest article in Plastics News
440-357-7600
dregovich@ajaugur.com
I had a conversation last week with a plastics company trying to hire a Molding/Processing Manager.